Master sets ?
 

Mark just posted about finishing a 1997 master set . Is there a standard definition of a master set ? In my Topps sets I have tried to add all variations listed for each set in SCD or The Registry. I have also added an unopened pack.

For some years I have also added back stock differences...1953 ( bio differences), 1959 and 1960( white and gray backs) For 1952 I have added the red and black backs, but only some of the gray backs, and only some gray backs for 1954. What do people think should be included in a full master set ? What about inserts ? What about artificially created variations and parallels in modern sets ? And what about those pesky but unrecognized recurring print defects such as listed in the H&S 52 Super Set ? :eek:

There was a discussion about this on CU in regard to Topps Heritage sets. There seems to be a standard definition of a master set that includes about 540 cards...the base set, the SPs to get to 500 and 3 or 4 annual insert sets. But Chromes, panels and artificial and scarce "variations" are excluded.

Should the answers differ by pre and post war ? Should the answer in post war differ pre and post 1980 ( or pick another date ) ?

I posted this here but the question is just as interesting on each of,the boards...to me anyway. What is a master set ? Maybe this has been discussed in here already and if so maybe someone can post links to prior related threads. I know the question has been debated in regard to the 52 Topps set specifically in a couple of threads

To me it seems that the definition of master set is about as defined as error card.:eek:

Even in my own collection the definition varies from set to set. I usually try to get the listed errors. Then add all the print error/mis-cut cards I can find at a reasonable price.

Ehh, much like the term "rookie" card, the definition of a "master set" is now muddled.

Take for example Topps Heritage. A master set could be all of the base + SP's and the insert sets, as you brought up.

You could add the Real One auto set, along with the memorabilia cards (Clubhouse Collection?) and call it a master set.

Or, you could go with all the color swaps, throwback uniforms, intentional errors, gum damage backs, blue ink backs, traded notations, photo variations, Venezuelan backs, etc, along with the red auto set, all the chrome and refractor sets (including the gold /5's), the Target red border retail set, I think Walmart had a black set as well, the gold /50 game used set, the dual and triple auto sets, ad panel box toppers, promos, hell you could add the 5x7 jumbo team sets sold on Topps.com....call it a master pain in the ass.

The answer should definitely change not just pre- to post- war, but for each year and each set. A true "master" set of Bowman Chrome would include every parallel, including Superfractors. That's impossible, since not every Super will be pulled and/or sold publicly.

Master Set
 

In the PSA Registry player master set, it would be every card produced and sanctioned by Major League baseball during the years the player played. I think actually, they include the following year after they retire.

In the company master set, it would be every card produced for that player
during the years the player played.

I think it's pretty safe to say that it's damn near impossible to complete a master set with todays products.

too may inserts/numbered/1of1's, etc.

kinda ridiculous.

Master sets
 

It is not limited to modern. Try to get consensus among collectors of the Topps 1952 set as to what constitutes a master set. And, judging by multiple threads on pre war about the T206 set, the same is true there.

I guess as a collector, a person can define for themselves what they will consider a master set. I was just trying to solicit differing views by collectors here regarding whatever criteria they use. It would also be interesting ( to me) to know how many here even care about or seek to build master sets, however defined

My thinking is that unless you're doing it for the registry a "master set" is whatever you want it to be.

I'd typically think of it as the entire base set plus any listed variations. That would include SPs, but not inserts which I look at as a different set that just happened to be issued in the same packs.

Now in my collection - it's totally different. I separate and save the odd stuff like different holograms on upper deck, different die cutting and screening on 88 Score, Minor stock differences on A+G and Gypsy queen, the uv reactive backs on 91 topps (And other years! which I just found out) .....And any other weirdness I find.

I'm not really sure if some of that stuff should be considered part of an insane master set, or as a different set. The 88 Score could easily be considered as three sets since the differences are related to what press run it was, at least for the first three runs.



Steve B

Master Set
 

I thought your Master Set included not only a pack, but a full box and at least 1 full printers sheet as well :)

Z

Sets
 

Zach---that would be ridiculous....but maybe a Salesman Sample panel :)